I had the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with Andy for a Young Life Work Crew summer during high school.

He was soft spoken but intentional. He worked harder than probably most of Work Crew. He was my favorite part of working in the bakery and by the end of summer I felt I had experienced something special getting to know him and having the privilege to call him my friend.

There was something that I had thought about occasionally for over thirty years. Andy was always so kind and would pick up where I had slacked (I wasn’t a super disciplined high schooler.) I wanted to do something special for him. Andy loved to fish but he couldn’t go out in the row boat alone. I decided to surprise him one morning on our day off and take him out onto the lake. He was super happy that he was getting to fish. I got bored almost instantly. And my arms killed from rowing. Andy could tell I was bored and – in true Andy form – he was gracious and said “let’s go back in.” I think he may have even made up some fake excuse to own the decision rather than make me feel bad for not lasting very long.

One day I got a LinkedIn message from Matt. We connected and he let me know that he and Andy were still tight friends. I was elated to be able to reconnect with them.

I recently had a video call with Andy. It was awesome! I got to hear a bit about the last thirty years of his life. And I was able to tell him how sorry I was that I flaked on the fishing trip. I was also able to tell him how much I cherished that time with him in the bakery. He was so humble and just a genuine great soul. People like Andy are rare and it was easy to see that with him.

I’m so grateful that I got that call. I’m grateful for his friendship. I’m grateful for the memories. I am certain that Andy is walking around Heaven preparing for his family and friends to join one day. He was an incredible human and that fact will live in memory for a very long time.